Driving tips in Greece

Driving tips in Greece

by Andy Burrows

Once arriving in Greece, many tourists opt to hire a car and set out alone. There's truly no better way to experience the countryside in Greece than from the comfort of your car and according to your own schedule. Crossing from the centralised and urban to the expansive countryside is like travelling backwards through time, and the road hazards of one area are often unlike those in another.

In Greece, the flow of traffic keeps to the right side of the road. Some of the basic driving regulations include an enforced seatbelt requirement for front-seat passengers only and a child safety-seat for any children less than 10 years of age. Children in these seats are also expected to be situated in the front seat. Visitors are advised not to use a cell phone while driving, as this is punishable by a stiff fine.

In the unfortunate event that you get in a car accident, you'll be glad that you brought along the standard emergency kit, including a fire extinguisher, first-aid kit and a red warning triangle. Finally, the drink driving limit is a blood alcohol level of 0.5mg/ml.

There are some peculiar traffic rules that are occasionally enforced in Greece, particularly in Athens. Due to unbearable congestion and extremely slow commutes, a system has been set up that only allows even-numbered and odd-numbered plates on alternating days.

The local traffic authorities have even been known to completely close the downtown streets to all traffic except for taxis. However, visitors don't need to wrack their brains trying to figure out which days they are allowed to drive on, exceptions to these rules are in force both for vehicles with foreign plates and rental cars. Greece lucrative car rental deals

If you're heading out of Athens or another principal city, you'll find that all of the inter-city highways are three lanes wide and subject to a modest toll. Once you reach your destination, take care that you don't park in a restricted area. You're not allowed to idle and wait in your car along yellow dotted lines and many of the street-side parking spots require a prepaid permit that you can pick up from a nearby booth. Regardless, all parking zones are clearly marked with signs displayed both Greek and English text.

Most visitors to Greece arrive in Athens first and then head out from here. As long as you're in a downtown area, you should have no trouble filling up on fuel at any time of day, as many of the pumps accept payment by credit card 24 hours. From Athens, travel time to Salonica is approximately 5 hours by car, covering a distance of just over 300 miles. Patras is closer at 130 miles, which can be reached in around 2 hours. Greece discounted vehicle hire

No matter where you are in Greece, it pays to practice a little caution. In rural areas, you never know when you'll come around a corner and find yourself face to face with a herd or flock of livestock or a local farmer hauling an old-style cart. The urban centres are notoriously crowded and peak rush hour times may find you white-knuckled and anxious to get out of town. Keep your chin up though, because the rewards that the Greek countryside offers make it all worthwhile. There's nothing like leading your own expedition into the ancient ruins and the wealth of attractions that make Greece such a one-of-a-kind place.